NBA: Nikola Jokic to delay contract extension talks with Denver Nuggets until 2026
The three-time MVP has cast doubt on his potential future with the Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic will not continue talks over a contract extension during this offseason, choosing instead to revisit negotiations next summer, according to reports.
Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, is currently under contract for three more seasons as part of the five-year, $276 million deal he signed in the summer of 2022.
His contract includes a player option for the 2027-28 season valued at $62.8 million.
According to reports, Jokic is eligible to sign a three-year, $200 million extension before October 20, which would effectively replace his player option with the first year of the new deal.
By pausing talks until the 2026 offseason, Jokic opens the door to a longer extension with increased earnings, potentially a four-year deal that includes an added $77 million.
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke acknowledged the franchise’s intent to present Jokic with an extension this summer but also recognised the financial upside in waiting.
Nikola Jokic has told the Nuggets he doesn’t plan to sign a contract extension this offseason, per @BennettDurando
(Via https://t.co/L6oN05p4Dg) pic.twitter.com/jvq9pNyxcX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 8, 2025
“We’re definitely going to offer it,” Kroenke told reporters. “I’m not sure if he’s going to accept it or not, because we’re also going to explain every financial parameter around him signing now versus signing later.
“To be completely transparent, that’s the way we always are. And then he makes the best decision for himself and his family, and we’ll support him in it.”
Denver has made a number of significant front-office and roster moves this offseason aimed at maximising their championship window with Jokic at the centre.
Michael Malone was replaced by David Adelman as head coach, and the general manager role transitioned from Calvin Booth to Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace.
On the player front, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr to Brooklyn in exchange for Cameron Johnson, and dealt Dario Saric to Sacramento for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas as a backup to Jokic.